Tag - school

When I began my master’s program, I was excited at the prospect. Half way through, I was cursing the fact that I walked into the uber stressful situation with my eyes open. The excitement was gone, firmly replaced by the reality of classes, lecturers, assignments, late nights, etc all combined with a full – time job and planning for my wedding. I couldn’t wait to complete the darn thing! Who would have thought, after that experience and a decade later, I wouldn’t be averse to going back to school for more studies?! While it’s still in the just-a-thought stage, it’s something worth considering deeply. What would I focus on if I go back for further studies? Interestingly I’ve dabbled in various subjects that I’d prefer not to venture into once more. There was the one year stint in music with hopes to become a maestro on the keyboard, and the very brief and exciting time in Francais classes. Three months learning Spanish was equally magnifico. But languages are a part of me, I never stop practicing. Fashion design featured many moons ago and how could I forget that period of drama classes and my dream to become a stage director? Writing[…]

The last post for this month has to be centred on my children. At least I would have kept 75% of my intention to write only about them in the month of May. That’s not a bad score now, is it? So here goes. Doing homework with the children has never been a time I look forward to and this feeling only developed recently. Say, a year after Chairman started going to school. Initially with just T, it was manageable. I just went through the motions and indulged some of her excesses (like pointing out her teacher’s way of doing things as opposed to my own way). Having two of them doing homework , most times at the same time, is pure drudgery and I have to grin (sometimes, bite my lip, keep my anger in check) and bear it. I did say I wanted children, didn’t I? Well, mummy, children and homework go together. Deal with it! That’s exactly what I do every week day for about an hour and a half or more. Dealing with T’s increasing wisdom as she grows older (as she emphatically still insists on her teacher’s method and[…]

I do not like meetings. The gathering.The deliberations. The arguments. The duration or dwelling on one particular issue that extends the meeting even further. The need to contribute or say something, anything as long as it casts you in an intelligent light. I do like one aspect of meetings though – the end of it. That part where we all get up, disperse and go on with our individual lives. I am not keen on group activities either. Three people (I included) can be too much of a crowd for me sometimes and I am content being in the background, the unobtrusive one, looking in. I have no trouble with that. What I write hereafter should come as no surprise; during all my years of formal school training I was part of no organization – voluntary or otherwise. I didn’t need gatherings or discussions to fill in the perceived spaces of my life. I couldn’t be bothered. It was different when I entered the workforce. I was obligated to attend meetings that concerned my job function. It was difficult to blend in with the furniture then especially when I had to contribute to the matters discussed or make a presentation[…]

Chairman began school today. And like any mother leaving her child in school for the first time, I was slightly worried. Apprehensive. What would his attitude towards this new part of his life be? Would he cry? Cling desperately to me when I turned to leave? Give his teachers cause for concern? By the time July rolled in, I began sounding him out about this impending phase.’You’re going to school in September.’ I’d say. ‘Yesh.’ He’d agree and start undressing, thinking we were going to pick T up from school. Then, whenever he upset me, the statement would come out as a threat. ‘You’re going to school in September!’ ‘Yesh.’ He’d still agree and carry on with his life. By now realizing it meant something else but not exactly sure what. One morning, he was crying as T left for school, asking to go along with her. I comforted him with the same words. ‘Don’t worry, dear. You’re going to school soon.’ ‘Yesh,’ he replied tearfully. ‘In epepmber.’ In September. He clutched his lunch bag tightly and silently stared straight ahead as we neared the school. It was nothing new to him; he had accompanied me time and again to[…]

Jan. 1st Happy New Year, diary! I ended last year on a sad note. Pere and I broke up. I’m so unhappy. Jan. 9th Haven’t seen or heard from Pere in more than a week. Not that I expected to. After all the horrible things I said to him! Jan. 11th Diary, Seah was here today. She asked about Pere. Rumour has it that he was posted to Port – Harcourt for his NYSC. Jan. 14th Pere came today. He wanted to make up. I didn’t let him in. I told him off through the window. Practically shouted at him to leave before I sent the dogs after him. As I watched him leave, I wondered why I said those things to him. What is wrong with me? Jan. 22nd Seah said Pere left for Port – Harcourt yesterday. This is what she said and I quote: “Esi, you’re a total and complete fool for letting a good thing pass you by.” Jan. 24th I miss Pere. I love him. And I hate him too! Jan. 30th School’s a week away. Can’t wait! It would help take my mind off thoughts of Pere at least. Feb. 4th Diary, I’m finished![…]